Cuteness Alert: Ruche

I adore items from Anthropologie and Free People, however, I don't tend to shop those stores often because of their pricing. However, Ruche has a ton of cute stuff in similar styles for fantastic prices. Check it out! Also, don't forget to enter promo code LIPSTICK for 10% off your order (exclusive deal for Fab Find Readers)!


ShopRuche - by dddgirl79 on Polyvore.com

We have a Winner!

Thanks to everyone for commenting on the Bubble Necklace Giveaway post over the past few days, including all of you lurkers! :-)

We have a winner for the necklace - Super Cute S of Academichics!

To prove I host fair giveaways (I entered the number of people that commented vs. number of comments since some readers commented multiple times:

And number 26 = S of Academichics!

Congratulations, S! It will be in the mail soon!

Daily Outfit - 03/31/09

This outfit is one part Carrie from Sex and the City: The Movie (it is actually from Patricia Field’s Destination Style line that sells on HSN and as you are probably aware Patricia Field did the styling for the SATC – TV & Movie) and one part Dorothy from The Golden Girls.

I plan on wearing it loose and swingy over dresses come warmer weather, but opted to wear it with pants today (by the way, I haven’t worn pants on a work day since Feb. 27!). It kind of looks like a dress over pants that so many of my ladies over at Flickr's Wardrobe Remix rock so well which I like because that isn't a trend I have really tried yet.

White Tee (hardly noticeable, but very necessary in case my belt breaks or some other freakish accident) – Target, $9 (Summer 2008)
Floral Swingy Jacket – Patricia Field Destination Style for HSN, on sale for $50 (March 2009 – finally marked down for its “so not worth it” $100 price)
Black Pants – Old Navy, on sale for $15 (Fall 2009)
Snake Belt – Simply Fashion, $7 (March 2009)
Purple Booties – Kmart Online, $20 (March 2009)
Black Bead Necklace - ??
Black/White Floral Ring – Pier 1, $5 (Feb. 2009)

Reminder - Giveaway!

Just a reminder to leave a comment on this post for a chance to win the green Target Bubble Necklace. The winner will be announced tomorrow, so be sure to check back to see if it was you!

Hot off the Presses!

Last week I was contacted by the sweet Tracey with Glamour. She asked me if I would like to be showcased on their Slaves to Fashion Blog showing a week's worth of outfits, etc. How can a girl say no to that?! So here it is - go say some nice comments, please! :-)


I can't even begin to express how happy this makes me! So, I also don't want this to just be an "all about me moment". A big thank you to all my readers who have helped Fab Finds Under $50 become what it is over the past year. I truly do thank you!

Daily Outfit - 03/30/09

Yesterday I tweeted on twitter (what, did I really just write that?!) that I wanted to pre-plan at least 3 outfits for this week ~ well, I didn't. Time flew yesterday and before I knew it was 11:30 and time to get ready for bed. Then this morning I decided I needed to hit snooze for a total of 30 extra minutes! I don't have that kind of cush time in my mornings. So, that left me running around and pulling together this random mix of clothes. Oh well, no one around here will even notice. I do have to share the jacket looks much better in person. It looks like it is pulling in the picture, but it is plenty loose . . .

Pink L/S Tee - Walmart, $8 (Fall 2008)
Jacket - Simply Fashion, clearance for $7 (March 2009)
Skirt - Old Navy, clearance + promo code for $4.50 (Jan. 2009)
Tights - Hue, $10
Shoes - Nine West from 6pm.com, on sale for $20! (March 2009)
Leopard & Bead Necklace - made by me (available here)

Mixing Vintage with Current for a One-of-a-Kind Outfit!

It's no secret that I have started "thrifting"* more over the past several months. At first I looked for "current" items to add to my closet with the occasional vintage scarf or piece of jewelry. However, lately, I have enjoyed picking up a few vintage clothing items to intermix with my wardrobe (like here, here, and here). With that, I never go for a "retro-look" like some, but rather use vintage items that I score for great prices to mix with items in my closet for an outfit just as "new" looking as if I bought it all at the mall this weekend.

Now, just as with Pattern Mixing, I don't believe in rules when it comes to wearing vintage. I say mix and match what you like together! However, I did pull together a few examples of how to mix vintage finds currently available on Etsy with modern items available online for fresh outfits perfect for spring and summer!


Modern Vintage 1 - by dddgirl79 on Polyvore.com

Vintage Vera Silk Blouse - dddgirl79 on Etsy, $8
White Jeans - Target, $27.99
Roman Mesh Bangle Set - Heritage 1981 (Forever 21), $6.80
Nine West Isleen Sandal - 6pm.com, $43.29


Modern Vintage2 - by dddgirl79 on Polyvore.com

Pampelonne Turquoise Hoop Earrings - Ruche, $12.99 (use promo code LIPSTICK for 10% off)
Medallion Buckle Belt - Forever 21, $6.80
Artsy Mosaic Bracelet - Ruche, $17.99 (use promo code LIPSTICK for 10% off)
Gladiator Sandals - Dolce Vita @ Solestruck, $39.95
Vintage Navy & White Maxi Dress - dddgirl79 on etsy, $12


vintage3 - by dddgirl79 on Polyvore.com

Beaded Earrings - byhillary on etsy, $13
Green Tee with Ribbon - Target, $16.99
Wiley Wedge Sandal - Target, $19.99
Vintage Black Floral & Stripe Skirt - megankills on etsy, $10

*shopping at Goodwill, Salvation Army Thrift Store and Value World

So, ladies, do you wear vintage? What are your tips for mixing old and new?

Daily Outfit - 03/28/09

Saturday = Super Simple!

L/S Gray Tee - Walmart Online, clearance for $3 (Feb. 2009)
Black Cardi - Target New Stock @ Goodwill, $4 (March 2009)
Black Cords - Gap/Gift from V (I listed a pair of black or brown cords on my Fall Wishlist, but never found a pair. V came across this pair in her closet that she didn't utilize and offered to send them to me. They are so perfect! Thanks, V! ♥ them!)
Bejeweled Flats - Payless + DIY
Scarf - Patricia Field for HSN, clearance for $15 (March 2009) Just check out how awesomely gigantic this scarf is!

I had a great Saturday thrifting! I decided to try a new place - one of the Goodwill Outlets on the NW side of town. They sell everything by the pound. It wasn't as overwhelming or gross as I thought it might be. I found some truly great stuff, including lots of great vintage dresses (coming to my etsy soon!) and an item that almost caused me to dance a little jig right in the aisle - a Yves Saint Laurent Scarf. That's right I got a YSL scarf for about 10 cents!!! Thinking about it still makes me down right giddy!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Daily Outfit - 03/27/09

I scored this purple jacket on Wednesday while discovering a "new to me" store - Simply Fashion. I loved the color, loved the wide lapels and loved the price. When I got it home though it didn't exactly wow me with its long sleeves and tie belt.

However, I swapped out the belt (like I usually do with items that come with one) and shortened the sleeves. Now, don't let me fool you - I am not a master seamstress - I simply turned the jacket inside out, folded the sleeves up 5" (I even measured to make sure they were even!) and then secured them with a couple pieces of Heat 'n Bond for both sleeves (check out the Cheap Chica to see what else you can do with Heat 'n Bond). With five minutes of time I had a great jacket that I am sure will get lots of wear this spring and summer. Come Fall if I want the long sleeves back it will be easy enough to undo!

Black Black Dress - Target, clearance for $12.50 (Jan. 2009)
Purple Jacket - Simply Fashion, clearance for $7 (March 2009)
Black Tights - Hue, $10
Taupe Heels - Payless, BOGO for $25 (Feb. 2009)
"Snakeskin" Belt - NY & Co, on sale for $10 (2008)
Necklace - I made it!

Be sure to scroll down and check out Leslie rockin' the Traveling Scarf and below that enter for a chance to win a gorgeous green bubble necklace! Have a great weekend, ladies!

Sisterhood of the Traveling Scarf II - Scarf #2, Stop #1

The Traveling Scarf #2 made its first stop in Louisville, Kentucky were Leslie of Cute on the Cheap Fame welcomed it with loving arms into her outfit today.




In Leslie's Words:
Gray Pinstripe Jacket and Pants: CAbi (Spring 2009
Yellow-Green Wrap Tee: CAbi (Spring 2009)
Scarf: Kimberly's traveling scarf
Shoes: Diba

When I got in late last night, imagine my happiness to see the new traveling scarf waiting for me! The colors are fabulous and just my style. I was planning to wait to wear the scarf for a day where I could wear a more casual outfit (I was thinking jeans, this same tee I have on and heels where the scarf could be the total focal point). However, I have a couple formal meetings at work today which required wearing a suit. As I was getting dressed, it came to me that a bright colored tee and the scarf could completely transform the outfit from bland and conservative to a punch of bright business attire! I put on red peep-toes to tie in with the scarf and viola!- here is the final result. I feel confident and assertive and ready for my meeting--but still like myself and my normal style!

Leslie, you look fantastic! I love how you added the red heels to really pop with the scarf. Thanks for participating!

This scarf will be on its way to the Already Pretty Sal in Minneapolis, MN soon!

Splurge vs. Steal - Bubble Necklace & Giveaway!

This past weekend on "50% Off everything day" at Goodwill I scored a bunch of these great Bubble Necklaces - brand new with tags from Target. They originally retailed for $15 each and Goodwill had them priced at $2. That's right, I scored a great "Steal" version of J. Crew's Bubble Necklace for a savings of $149!

Word is that some Target's still have this necklace for sale for the original price (at least in Louisville, KY). I can't locate it on their website though.

So, I am going to share my good fortune with you, my kind readers! Here is your chance to win a Green Bubble Necklace! Leave a comment on this post telling us something fun (i.e. the best deal you ever found, how you found my blog, how long you have been a reader, your favorite store - something besides "I want to win!"). I will draw a name at random next Tuesday, March 31, so leave your comment by then. I will ship internationally, so everyone feel free to comment away! Good Luck!

Daily Outfit - 03/26/09

When I first bought this dress I immediately thought about wearing it with a red belt vs. the plain black patent belt it came with. However, once home I realized both of my two red belts are way to wide for the belt loops. So, add a skinny red belt to my shopping list. Also, can't wait for summer when I can wear it with my Betsey Johnson Flower Heels!

So, I figured why not add in some unexpected prints with the polka dots dress.

Dress - Simply Fashions, $20 (March 2009)
Cardi - Old Navy, on sale for $15 (March 2008)
Snakeskin Belt - Target New Stock @ Goodwill, 50% off day for 50 cents! (March 2009)
Tights - Hue
Heels - Target, bejeweled by me* (Heels - 2005, DIY - Feb 2009)

* These are actually the same bejeweled patches that I put on my black flats initially. With attaching them with velcro I was able to do a swap last night to these old heels that were way too "pumpy" for me normally (bought them for a very conservative interview). Want your own pair? Click here!

Daily Outfit - 03/25/09

This skirt and shoes arrived in the mail yesterday, so of course I had to wear them. It worked out particularly well because it is rainy and grey here in the Midwest. Bright colors are exactly what I need to keep my spirits up. I am looking forward to pairing this skirt with yellow come summer, but for today I kept it simple with black and put the emphasis on the skirt and booties.

Speaking of the booties, I eyed these back in January when I bought my other Black Booties with the Red Sole. However, I didn't buy them. Then Kayla bought the grey and wrote about how comfy they were. Since I was placing another Kmart order I decided to get them. I am in awe at how soft the material is and how comfy they really are. Thanks, for the review Kayla!

Black Tee - Walmart Online, clearance for $3 (Feb. 2009)
Black Belt - NY & Co, sale + city cash for $14 (Summer 2008)
Skirt - Kmart Online, on sale + promo code* for $10.50 (March 2009)
Black Tights - Hue
Purple Booties - Kmart Online, with promo code* for $17 (March 2009)
Necklace - Me (coming to my etsy soon)

*check out my FabFinds50 Twitter for a $10 off $60 Kmart Promo Code

Reader Question - Outfit Ideas?

Hi! I love your blog!! I would like to see if you can give me some ideas on this shirt I thrifted from Cato's. I thought it was cute for the spring . . .
- Jamie

Jamie -
What a great thrift score! As I am sure you are aware Florals - large and small - are everywhere for spring and summer. In fact, in a recent issue of People Style Watch Mini Florals were named one of the top six trends for Spring. Here is the spread they featured:

There is so much you can do with this simple shirt and add in that it was only $2 and it is on trend - that's awesome! I have to admit I had a hard time depicting the true colors of the shirt from the pic (wasn't sure if the flowers were blue or purple). However, I think regardless of the shirt colors all of the items below will work great with it.


Reader Question - Mini Floral Shirt - by dddgirl79 on Polyvore.com

Outfit #1 - dressy-casual for dinner out or a spring BBQ
White Pants - JC Penney, $47.99
Purple Tank Top - Target, $9.99 (if you wanted to add a little more pattern do a skinny stripe tank instead of the solid purple)
Floral Locket - Forever 21, $6.80
Bead Stitch Belt - Old Navy, $12.50
Penina Gladiator Sandals - Target, $24.99

Outfit #2 - simple and casual great for grocery shopping and running other errands
Open-Weave Scarf - Old Navy, $12.50
"Flirt" Jeans - Old Navy, $25.00
Wedge Sandals - Old Navy, $34.99

Outfit #3 - business-casual for work, going to church, dinner out with the girls
Navy Skirt - Target, $14.99
Linen Vest - ShopRuche.com, $27.99 (use promo code LIPSTICK for 10% off - exclusive deal for Fab Find Readers!)
Brushed Floral Bangle - Forever 21, $5.80
Snake Printed Gladiator Sandal - Avon, $24.99 (I actually have these and they are so cute on!)

Here are just a couple of examples of what you can do with this shirt. I hope it helps and you get lots of use out of it in the months ahead.

Have a question you think I could help with? Feel free to email me!

Daily Outfit - 03/24/09

What? You're surprised to see me wearing a vest over a dress? Ha! I know ~ I just did a similar look on Friday, but at the time I was wishing I had a longer vest that I could belt. And what do you know, this one called to me as it was randomly hanging out of place at the end of a rack while I was out thrifting on Saturday morning. I think a bit of fate had its way with our meeting! I actually almost bought this same vest about 5 months ago at Old Navy, so yeah, it was totally meant to be!

Brown (Unseen) Tank Top - Target, $8 (2007)
Dress - Target, clearance for $7.50 (2007)
Vest - Thrfited/Old Navy, 50% off day for $2 (March 2009)
Necklace - Vintage (for sale at my etsy)
Brown Belt - Target New Stock/Goodwill, $1 (Fall 2008)
Brown Tights - ???
Gold Round Toe Wedges - Colin Stuart/Victoria's Secret, $30 (2007)

P.S. I love how a new $2 purchase inspired me to pull out some older items (i.e. the dress and shoes) from my closet!

P.P.S. You all better get use to this look- you know how I love to layer and vests over dresses will be a great way to keep my layering cool as we head into summer here in the states. I need to add some more summer weight vests to my Spring/Summer Wishlist!

Twitter Update!

I started the Twitter thing several months ago, but don't do much with it. I am attempting to change that, but felt the need for two Twitter accounts (ridiculous, I know!). Feel free to follow FabFinds50 for sale updates, what I buying, looking at, etc. If you want to keep up with me and my "status updates" feel free to follow me at FabFinds (I use this to update my Facebook also). Now, I just need to do something exciting enough to Twitter about!

Daily Outfit - 03/23/09 & Traveling Scarf Kick-off!

Ahh, Monday - you come too soon. However, I am happy to report that I must be adjusted to the whole "spring forward" thing with Daylight Savings Time because when the alarm went off the morning I popped right out (first time in two weeks!). Thank goodness!

Mocha Dress (worn as skirt) - Target, clearance for $12.50 (Jan. 2009)
Satin Shirt - Macys, super clearance for $7 (Feb. 2009)
Black Cardi - NY & Co, sale + coupon for $14 (Oct. 2008)
Black Tights - Hue, $10
Black Peep Toe Tie Heels - Payless, on sale for $20 (Sept. 2009)
Black Belt - Came with a shirt (Spring 2008)
Necklace - Target New Stock @ Goodwill, 50% off day for $1!! (March 2009)

Sisterhood of the Traveling Scarf!!

The Traveling Scarves hit the mail today! One is headed to Megan in Tallahassee, FL and the other to Leslie in Louisville, KY. From there the scarves will head out to 15 more people each in a total of four countries! I am super excited about this round. I will be emailing everyone as their name comes up next on the list and keep everyone up-to-date on the scarves status. Thanks again for participating.

Attention Brianna - you commented that you wanted to participate, but I haven't received an email with your address and unfortunately, you don't blog so I can't track you down. Email me if you still want to participate. Thanks!

It pays costs to read blogs!

But that's okay! The Budget Babe alerted me to a sale on Nine West Shoes over 6pm.com. $19.95 a pair??!!! How can you not get one or two or 10?Do you think I ordered any? Care to pick out the pair I ordered from those pictured above?

Daily Outfit - 03/20/09

Last month I tried a vest layered over a dress after finding inspiration in a dress Fashion Therapist wore. Then again yesterday I came across a picture of Olivia Palermo rocking a vest over a dress (she did a similar look when she posed in Marie Claire back in 2008 also, remember?). While I think Olivia is bitchy and needs to get some morals (even though if Whitney doesn't stop being so bethos* I am going to switch over to Olivia's team because I can't stand Whitney's whole weeping thing over that loser Jay!) she does have some seriously awesome clothes and fashion sense**. So, yeah, it took me all that to say, that is what made me think to try a different vest over a different dress for today!

Red Dress - Target, clearance for $15 (2007) The color is much more red like the detail pics show vs. the washed-out red the big pic shows
Vest - JC Penney, on sale for $18 (Spring 2008)
Grey Tank - Walmart, $4 (Summer 2008)
Black Tights - Hue/Macy's, $10
Black Boots - Kmart Online, $28 (Jan. 2009)
Necklace - from my etsy

* who listens to Cosmo Radio on Sirius XM?
** If you don't watch The City on MTV you probably think I am crazy person and have no idea what I am talking about!

Daily Outfit - 03/19/09

Well, hello, spotty picture - what's up with that?! I love my camera for its "fun" abilities, but it isn't so hot at general picture taking sometimes!

But back to the main issue here - what I am wearing - you don't have to be an avid follower of mine to know that I love belts and wear them 65% of the time. However, there was a belt trend a few years ago that I didn't care for! It was the low slung belts of the early 2000's that sat across your hip - my widest spot - not a good look! Well, this belt must be front that trend, however, I thrifted it a couple of weeks ago for 90 cents (and its Express at that). I decided to swap out the four braided leather ties for some multicolor and blue leather cord from Michael's and added the feather pin I had purchased at For Love 21. I have to admit I got the idea to modify it this way after seeing some of the belts Louis Vuitton and Ellen Tracey (I think) have had out lately. While it differs greatly, it just shows how you can pull inspiration from all sorts of places and trends.

White Shirt - JC Penney, on sale for $18 (Spring 2008)
Cardi - Lane Bryant, clearance for $6 (Spring 2008)
Black Skirt - Old Navy, clearance + promo code for $6 (Jan. 2009)
Black Tights - Hue/Macy's, $10
Belt - Express/Thrifted modified by me with For Love 21 Feather Brooch and leather cord from Michael's, Total Cost $9 (March 2009)
Snakeskin Printed Bangle - Pier 1, clearance for $1.50 (Feb. 2009)
Leopard Heels - Two Lips/Endless.com, on sale for $20 (March 2009)

Louis Vuitton Belt, $600 recently featured in a magazine:

$10 Under 10 Fab Finds for Spring

1/ Fab Colored Reptile Skin Wallet - Forever 21, $9.50
2/ Swished Satin Scarf - Forever 21, $6.80
3/ Assorted Decoupage Bangle Bracelets - Pier 1, $8 (available in store only)
4/ No Boundaries Jersey Scarf - Walmart, $6
5/ Assorted Decorative Rings - Pier 1, $5 (available in store only)
6/ Chunky Woven Covered Buckle - Mandee.com, $8.99
7/ Giraffe Printed Oval Sunglasses - Mandee.com, $8.00
8/ Wicker/Straw Oversized Clutch - dddgirl79 @ etsy, $10 (shameless plug, but I seriously think it is super cute for spring/summer!)
9/ Henley Cami - Old Navy, $10
10/ Flower Burst Ring - Forever 21, $3.80

Daily Outfit - 03/18/09 & Traveling Scarf Update

Traveling Scarf - During Round One I put everyone in order for the scarf with when they responded. This sometimes meant the scarf when from Delaware to California back to Massachusetts, etc. With this round I want to stream line things a bit, so I need everyone that said they wanted to participate here to email me (kbrinkman79 [at] gmail [dot] com) your address. Some of you have already done so and thank you for that! You have my word I won't share your address (except to the person on the list mailing the scarf to you next), sell it to anyone or most importantly, I won't show up on your doorstep! I hope to get it all organize in the next couple of days and officially start the Traveling Scarf - Round Two by week's end!

Now for today's outfit - I feel it looks cuter in person. I only had time to snap one picture of the head-to-toe and it is lacking. Oh well, you win some, you lose some!

White Tissue Tee - Target, $9 (Feb. 2009)
White Tank - Old Navy, $5 (2008)
Skirt - Target, $20 (Summer 2007)
Brown Tights - ??
Sandals - Coach (2007) (they are really the color of the close-up, not so gold!)
Purple Suede Belt - Kohl's, clearance for $9 (Feb. 2009)
Necklace - Subversive for Target/Flea Market, $5 (March 2009)

Spring/Summer 2009 Wishlist

Last Fall I put together a fun little slideshow showcasing some trends/items I wanted to get for Winter. I decided to do the same for Spring and Summer.

Daily Outfit - 03/17/09 St. Patty's Day Edition

I love that it is starting to get warmer, don't get me wrong. However, it always puts me in a bit of a quandary as to what to wear. Sure it might be 70 today, but it could be 30 tomorrow so do you really break out the summer clothes yet?! I am not ready for bare legs that is for sure!

I feel this skirt is too "summery" with its white background, however, it is a nice lightweight skirt which is good for today's temps. Plus, I don't have much green so this works well so I won't get any uninvited pinches. I tried to pair down the summery feel with the black.

Black L/S Tee - Walmart Online, clearance for $4 (Feb. 2009)
Skirt - Thrifted, $2.50 (March 2009)
Black Tights - Hue/Macy's, $10 (Feb. 2009)
Black/Wood Sandals - Two Lips/Endless.com, on sale for $20 (March 2009)
Green Beads - Dots, clearance for $4 (2007)
Green Belt - Joe Fresh gifted by a wonderful flickr friend, Teresa
Ring - Jule, w/ coupon for $15 (Feb. 2009)

Side Story: This is the first year since I have been an adult (I use that term loosely to mean the time period since I graduated college) that I have worked on St. Patty's Day. Normally my local crew and I take the day off, sleep in till about 9 am and head to the Irish Bar nearby for a good 12 hours of drinking. I am modeling some of the garb I have collected over the years while doing said drinking above.

This year some of my friends are out of work so trying to conserve money and others are at new jobs so vacation time is limited, etc. Needless to say, we all agreed this morning that this sucks and we need a beer!

Happy St. Patrick's Day, All. I hope you spend your day doing something way cooler than working!

Daily Outfit - 03/16/09

The awesome acedemichics posted about Fashion 101 - Playing with Pattern Module over weekend (great minds do think alike, ladies!).

So, I just had to sport some pattern today. Plus, A reminded me of this great drape front cardi by referencing a dark grey cardi that she had worn in the post.

Side note: when I bought this scarf I thought it was yellow and grey and immediately thought of pairing it with this shirt. Well, ends up it is lilac (those funky fluorescent lights!), but I still like it with this top.

Black Dress - Target, clearance for $12.50 (Jan. 2009)
Yellow, Grey, Black, White Top - JC Penney, on sale for $15 (March 2008)
Grey Cardi - Ann Taylor Loft, clearance + coupon for $9 (Jan. 2009)
Scarf - Flea Market, 50 cents (March 2009)
Black Tights - Hue/Macy's, $10 (Feb. 2009)
Black Booties - Kmart Online, $28 (Jan. 2009)
Necklace - Mandee.com, w/ promo code for $6.40 (Feb. 2009)

P.S. I look super slouchy in this pic! I promise I have stood up since taking it! :-)

Etsy!

I did it! I finally hunkered down and took the time to set up my Etsy Shop. I figured since I love to thrift and craft why not share some fab finds (and makes) with the world! Oh yeah, and I am crowding out Dave and the dogs with all of my stuff! :-)

So this is my shameless plug to say come check out my stuff! Currently I have a few great vintage oversized clutches up for sale (so perfect for summer and the oversized clutch trend is still way hot!). Also, since I had such a positive response to the bejeweled flats I made I have a few sets of jeweled "patches" (just add shoes) up for sale. Lastly, I have a statement bib necklace for sale (another soon to follow ~ just have to add the finishing touches). I will be adding some great vintage jewelry and skirts in the next few days also. Keep in mind they are all Fab Finds Under $50!

Okay, shameless plug done (for now!)

Oh yeah, Etsy must have been in the air because a cutie friend of mine set her shop up this weekend also. Go check it out!

Daily Outfit - 03/14/09

Today I headed to a flea market and lunch with my mom and aunt. It has been a long time since I have gone to the Stewart Flea Market (it is only once a month and somehow usually falls on a weekend that I have other plans). I had high hopes for fun stuff, and I am happy to say I wasn't disappointed! With that, I dressed super comfy and casual.

I think Smokey sensed that my outfit was less than blog-worthy, so she helped me spice things up a bit. She is such a cutie giving high-fives while lounging about!

Black L/S Tee - Target, $9 (2007)
Black S/S Cardi - Walmart Online, clearance for $14 (Feb. 2009)
Scarf - For Love 21, $8 (Feb. 2009)
Jeans - Target, $30 (Feb. 2009)
Jeweled Flats - Payless + DIY by Me (feb. 2009)

As for my Flea Market Finds ~ I found a ton of cool beads, buttons and jewelry to get crafty with along with some awesome vintage jewelry and scarves.

Oh yeah, see what is at the top of the of the above picture? It is the Subversive for Target Cameo Necklace that originally retailed for $60. I wanted it when it first came out, but definitely didn't want to fork over that much money for it. I watched it online and at my local Target in hopes I could score it for $15 or so, but that never worked out. I bought it today at the Flea Market for $5!!!! One of the strands if broken, but 30 seconds with my needle nose pliers and it will be as good as new!

Splurge vs. Steal - Flower Ring

Sisterhood and The Traveling Scarf - Round Two

The other day Passion for Fashion Cutie awarded me with the Sisterhood Award. Thanks again! And with that, I want to thank all of you for your Sisterhood. In the year plus I have been doing this blog I have received hundreds and hundreds of positive comments and less than a handful have been "not so nice". This makes me so happy because sometimes it can seem that everyone is just out for themselves and people have lost their niceness. Blogging has been such a rewarding experience for me and you, lovely readers, are what has made it such a wonderful experience. So, thank you, thank you, thank you!

In the spirit of Sisterhood, I would like to introduce the second round of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Scarf! Unfortunately, last time I did this the scarf and recepient went MIA after it made its way coast-to-coast and to eight fabulous women (this still makes me sad!).

I know I have a lot of new readers since Round One, so here we go with Round Two!

One of the things I love most about fashion and clothes is there are so many interpretations. The way people mix things together and put their own spin on each article of clothing is truly amazing. Most of you have probably seen The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and possibly read about The Vintage Society's Traveling Shirt. In both cases, an article of clothing is shared between a group of people to wear in their own unique way. We will being scarves (gotta love them - they fit everyone!)

Due to the number of participants last time and anticipating even a larger patricipation I am going to send out two scarves this time! They have similar colors, are of similar size and both are vintage/thrifted. I have worn both of them before also!

1/ I will organize the names and addresses of those participating based on emails I receive and comments left on this post. I would like to include international readers this time, so if you are willing to ship internationally please indicate that. Based on that I will determine if international readers can be included (international readers, please go ahead and email or comment on your interest now though!).

2/ I will create two lists of people and mail the scarf to the first person on each list with a sheet of instructions to keep with the scarf.

3/ The receiver of the scarf should email me the same day/next day that they receive it. Once, they do this I will email them with the name and address of the next person to forward it on to once they are done. Also, this will allow me to keep my eye on things, so to say, and make sure the scarf is being passed around timely.

4/ The person that receives the scarf should incorporate it into her outfit within 2-3 days of receiving it. She should take a picture of herself wearing the outfit (faces can be disguised/cropped out for those that desire a little more privacy), write a little ditty about what she was wearing, what she did while wearing the scarf (work, grocery shopping, drinks with the gals, etc.) email both to me (or post on blog, but make sure I know it has been posted).

5/ Within 5 days at the most, the receiver should forward it on to the next person.

6/ Steps 3 - 5 will take place with the next recipient and so on and so forth.

The cost to participate is minimal and shouldn't be more than $2-3 for the postage to forward on the scarf.

If you participated in Round One you are more than welcome to participate again.

So, there is it ladies, Sisterhood the Traveling Scarves - Round Two! I can't wait to see the awesomeness!

Daily Outfit - 03/13/09

Friday - yay~yay~yay! I hate to feel this excited about weekends, but geez, I do love them!

Black L/S Tee - Walmart Online, clearance for $4 (Feb. 2009)
Black S/S Tneck Sweater - Cato, clearance for $14 (Feb. 2009)
Necklace - CitiTrends, $5 (March 2009)
Black Belt - mark, $8 (2007)
Skirt - Thrifted, $4 (March 2009)
Scarf (worn on wrist) - thrifted and gifted by the Thrifting Ninja, Megan (seriously, check out her etsy shop)
Black Tights -Hue/Macys, $10 (Feb. 2009)
Sandals - Two Lips/6pm.com, on sale for $19.98 (March 2009)

Baby Steps to Pattern Mixing

I have received a lot of comments/compliments on my pattern mixing lately. While I know I am still far from the pattern mixing greatness that it out there (i.e. Audi), I have to say I have come a long way in the past year. Before I started this blog, reading other blogs and being inspired by Flickr's Wardrobe Remix I never mixed patterns, then about a year ago I decided to take a chance and pair a patterned scarf with a pattern skirt ~ ooh-ahh! dare devil! Ha!

Ever since then I have been taking Baby Steps (remember the movie What About Bob?) to Pattern Mixing and creating more and more interesting combinations over the past several months.

So, if you too want to start taking some Baby Steps to Pattern Mixing, below are a few ideas and tips.

All items from Newport News
Shirt - on sale $39
Pants - on sale $22.99
Colorblock Heels - on sale $34
Purse - on sale $29

Paisley Scarf - Forever 21, $9.80
Scoop Neck Tee - Old Navy, $10
Houndstooth Cropped Jacket - Jessica Londen via Amazon.com, $24.99
Wide Leg Pants - Old Navy, $25
Croc & Patent Heels - Go Jane, $21.99

Feeling a bit more daring?

Cardigan - Old Navy, on sale for $9.99
Textured Black Shirt - Target, $19.99
Black Belt - NY & Co, $19.95
Herringbone Skirt - Newport News, $29-$32

Cardigan - Old Navy, $29.50
Striped Tee - Walmart, clearance for $3
Jeans - Walmart, clearance for $15
Python Flats - Target, $34.99

There are a lot people that like to make rules up for pattern mixing (i.e. repeat colors in each pattern, match smaller patterns with larger ones, etc.). However, I am not a big believer in all that. I say grab a patterned top or bottom and start holding it up to other items in your closet (even the ones that you think there is no way in h-e-double hockey sticks it is going to go with) and see if anything grabs you. Does it, but it seems like just a little too much? Layer a solid over it. Break it up with a solid belt. Just keep working with it until you are comfortable. Most importantly wear it with confidence and it will look great!

Still need more inspiration - check out some of these links:
ModLife
Of a Certain Age - Floral and Assorted Prints
Style Pill